Virginia Athlete Craves Contact

PSUSTU and Steve Curry

07/24/2003

<b>Purnell Sturdivant</b> hails from the same Virginia high school as Terrell Golden, the outstanding wide-receiver who will suit up for Penn State this fall. Sturdivant names his favorites. How interested is he in joining his former teammate in Happy Valley?

Purnell excelled at a recent combine at Lake Taylor High School, running the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds, performing the shuttle in 3.88 seconds (fastest time at the combine) and leaping 44 inches in the vertical jump. His athletic ability translates well to the gridiron where the LB/RB helped Lake Taylor achieve an 8-2 record.

Sturdivant is being recruited to play either running back, linebacker or safety at the college level. He prefers, however, to line up on the defensive side of the ball where he can levy the hits as opposed to absorbing them. Currently, he boasts offers from Syracuse, Clemson, North Carolina State and Virginia Tech.

Purnell had planned to attend a few camps this summer, but only made it to one.

"I just went to Penn State. I was supposed to go to Virginia Tech, but something came up."

At the Penn State camp, Purnell worked out with both the linebackers and the running backs. The Nittany Lions are actively recruiting Sturdivant.

"Yeah, at linebacker, but one of the coaches (Kenney) said they'd probably move me to strong safety which I don't mind playing. Bill Kenney said I would be a good linebacker, but I would be an excellent strong safety. Those were his exact words."

It had been previously been reported that the Nittany Lions offered Sturdivant a scholarship.

"They said they would give me one (offer). That was when I was at the camp. [Coach Kenney] didn't really give many details, but he said they will be giving me a scholarship."

Purnell, who attended summer camp at Penn State last year as well, has not yet received a scholarship offer in writing from Penn State.

Sturdivant has only visited one other school.

"I visited N.C. State. I went to a couple football games and I went there for a junior day."

Phillip Halloman, who also played for Lake Taylor last season, signed with the Wolfpack in February.

Although both Golden and Halloman would like to see their former teammate choose their school, the Longhorns seem to hold the top spot on Sturdivant's list of favorites.

"Number one would really be Texas. That's my dream school. Penn State would be second. Colorado would be third. Fourth would probably be
Tennessee."

He has not heard from Texas, which would make Penn State his favorite among the schools actively recruiting the physical defender.

"It's really high," said Purnell in regard to his interest level in playing for the Nittany Lions. "I get the impression that most of their
linebackers make it to the NFL. I've visited the school for camp and I like the coaches. I enjoy the coaches and they have a great football program."

Sturdivant plans to make additional visits to both Penn State and N.C. State. The Wolfpack are recruiting him to play running back.

"I'm doing my homework. I'm trying to start my freshman year."

Sturdivant, who wants to study to become a physical therapist, doesn't expect to make a final decision until after his senior season.